What You Need to Know
The military government of Niger has categorically rejected accusations from France regarding the alleged organized theft of uranium from a mining site previously managed by the French company Orano. Niger asserts that its mineral resources, particularly uranium, are under its sovereignty, following the military takeover in July 2023.
Africa. The military government in Niger has firmly rejected accusations from French authorities regarding what they described as an “organized theft” of uranium from a mining site previously managed by the French group Orano.
The military council, which took power following the coup in July 2023, emphasized that mineral resources, particularly uranium, are under the sovereignty of the Nigerien state. The government had announced in June its decision to nationalize the subsidiary “Somair” of Orano (formerly Areva) and expressed its intention to market its production from the Arlit mine in the international market.
Orano had warned in November of last year about the departure of a uranium shipment from the “Somair” site, where it holds a 63.4% stake compared to 36.6% for the Nigerien state. In December of this year, the Paris public prosecutor opened an investigation into the “organized theft aimed at serving the interests of a foreign power” after the quantity went missing from the site.
In an official media statement, Minister of Mines Colonel Ousmane Abarchi stated that “the Republic of Niger strongly rejects any discourse equating its exercise of sovereignty over a national resource with theft,” adding, “One cannot steal what one legally owns.” Justice Minister Aliou Daouda revealed that Orano left unpaid debts amounting to 58 billion West African francs, questioning, “Between Niger and Orano, who stole from whom?”
Towards New Partners
Since assuming power, the Nigerien government has not concealed its desire to diversify its partnerships, with Iran and Russia expressing interest in exploiting Niger’s uranium. In December 2024, Orano acknowledged losing operational control over its three companies in the country: Somair, Cominak, and Imouraren.
Orano, in which the French state holds over 90% of the capital, has filed international arbitration claims against Niger. In September, the company announced a court ruling in its favor regarding the Somair mine, prohibiting the sale of uranium produced by the company, estimated at around 1,300 tons of concentrated uranium worth 250 million euros.
According to the “Uranium” agency, Niger contributes 4.7% of the world’s natural uranium production as of 2021, making it one of the main suppliers of this strategic material.
What is Orano?
According to the company’s platform and “Global Data,” Orano, formerly known as “New Areva Holding,” is one of the world’s leading industrial groups specializing in the nuclear fuel cycle, with the French state holding a majority stake (90.33%), making it a government company serving French state interests.
The company operates as a comprehensive supplier of nuclear energy solutions, covering all stages of the nuclear fuel production cycle from raw material extraction to waste management.
Orano’s activities include uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, recycling, reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, waste management, as well as nuclear engineering, nuclear medicine, and logistics services.
Thanks to this extensive integration, the company contributes to the production of low-carbon electricity and provides services and technologies to support the operation of nuclear reactors worldwide, making it a key player in the international nuclear energy sector.
Orano manages its operations through a wide international network that includes France, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with its headquarters located in Châtillon in the Île-de-France region, reflecting its international presence and strategic role in nuclear energy security and the development of related technologies.
Orano’s revenues increased by 18.2% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, reaching 2.67 billion euros (3.1 billion dollars).
The company’s profits amounted to 109 million euros (126.5 million dollars) compared to a loss of 133 million euros (154.37 million dollars) in the first half of last year.
Orano achieved revenues of 5.87 billion euros (6.81 billion dollars) in 2024, a significant increase compared to 4.77 billion euros (5.54 billion dollars) in 2023, representing a growth rate of 23%.
Niger has been a significant player in the global uranium market, contributing 4.7% of the world’s natural uranium production as of 2021. The country has faced challenges regarding foreign control over its resources, particularly from French companies, which have historically dominated the sector. The recent military government has expressed a desire to diversify its partnerships and assert greater control over its mineral wealth.
